Veterans Of Foreign Wars To Salute Connecticut’s Veterans

HARTFORD — Veterans and their families from around Connecticut are expected to attend the Veterans of Foreign Wars Salute to Connecticut’s Veterans to be held at Brainard Airport in Hartford.

The event is planned to honor all Connecticut’s Veterans from World War II to today. Visitors will be treated to unique displays of vehicles, equipment, and aircraft used by the United States military services throughout modern history. Hands-on events for children will be one of the highlights of the event, to be held September 26–28.

“We attempted to create one of the most extensive military equipment timelines ever done in Connecticut,” stated Ron Rusko, VFW event chairman. “The various aircraft and vehicles will allow visitors to experience first-hand things they’ve only seen on the History Channel.”

Visitors will be seeing double as two Chance Vought Corsair fighters, the Official Aircraft of the State of Connecticut, will be on display and participate in demonstration flights every day. Entirely designed and built in the state, it is one of the most recognized fighter aircraft in the world.

Displays featuring equipment from WWII, Korea, Viet Nam, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom will help honor those men and women from the state who have served in the military. The Connecticut National Guard will have modern equipment and aircraft on the airfield for visitors to examine and receive a better understanding of how the military protects America.

Other aircraft on display will be a P-51 Mustang Fighter, North American B-25 Bomber, the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation C-54 flying museum, a C-47 “Sky Train” transport complete with a contingent of 101st Airborne paratroopers, UH-60 Blackhawk, and CH-47 Chinook.

A special “Heroes Field” will feature life-size photo images, with a brief biography of a relative or friend.

There will be a unique display of a re-created Korean MASH (mobile Army surgical hospital)  facility and a WWII fighter hardstand with mechanics and pilots. One unique activity will be the hourly Speakers’ Tent featuring veterans from all conflicts. Skydivers will jump onto the airfield each day.

The ceremonial opening will take place on Saturday, September 27, at 11 am. Governor M. Jodi Rell is among dignitaries who are expected to attend. A skydiving team will be jumping in all the service flags and a 50-by-100-foot American flag while the national anthem is being sung.

Gates will open each day at 9 am and close at 4 pm. Sky divers will make their appearances on Friday and Sunday at 3 pm, and will jump during the 11 am opening ceremony on Saturday.

Admission is free all weekend. Proceeds from this three-day event will go directly to assisting needy veterans and their families in the State of Connecticut.

Visitors should note that coolers and alcohol will not be allowed on the grounds. Food vendors will be set up all weekend.

For more information visit VeteransSalute.org or call 860-721-5941.